2025-26 Huskies Athletic Awards Night: Mikanovich, Zinck-Marier named Athletes of the Year

Saint Mary's Department of Athletics and Recreation is proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Huskies student-athletes and teams during the 2025-26 season.

On March 31, 2025, the Huskies Athletic Awards Banquet brought together over 300 student-athletes, coaches, managers, volunteers, and special guests to celebrate a great seasons of Saint Mary's Athletics. This season, Saint Mary's celebrated nine U SPORTS All-Canadians, 32 AUS All-Star/All-Rookie selections, and 13 AUS Major Award Winners.

Emilia Mikanovich of women's volleyball, and Chandler Zinck-Marier of Football / Track & Field, headlined the awards, being honoured as the Female and Male Athletes of the Year. 

Below is a complete listing of all major and team award winners:

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PHOTO ALBUM OF THE 2025-26 ATHLETIC AWARDS

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Emilia Mikanovich, women's volleyball

Women's volleyball left side Emilia Mikanovich, a fourth year science student from Minsk, Belarus, has been named the 2025-26 Huskies Female Athlete of the Year.

For the second straight season, Mikanovich was named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian. She was also named AUS Most Valuable Player, AUS Championship Tournament Most Valuable Player, and an AUS First Team All-Star, and led the Huskies to their second straight AUS Championship.

Mikanovich started all 20 regular season matches for the Huskies, leading the AUS in points (355.0), points per set (4.7), kills (309) and kills per set (3.39), and ranking among AUS leaders in digs (246 - third), digs per set (3.24 - fifth) and service aces (25 - fifth). This earned her AUS MVP honours, as well as her fourth career AUS All-Star selection.

Her career-high 355.0 points ranks as the fourth highest single season total in AUS history (third all-time for a Saint Mary's player) and her 309 kills also ranks as the fourth highest single season total in AUS history (second all-time for a Saint Mary's player). And as great players do, she was even better at the AUS Playoffs, leading the team to a perfect 4-0 record and back-to-back AUS Championships, winning playoffs MVP, and being named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian. 

"Since arriving in Canada 4 years ago, Em has made an immediate impact on our volleyball program and in all our lives," said Huskies volleyball head coach Darren Russell. "Watching her grow as a player, student and person has been a real honor.  Game after game, she set the tone and led the way - she were dominant, dependable and driven to be one of the best to play the game at Saint Mary's and in Canada - an undeniable MVP! Congrats and very well deserved."

Female Athlete of the Year Nominees: Cara Freeman, Women's Soccer; Abigail MacKenzie, Women's Hockey; Emilia Mikanovich, Women's Volleyball

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Chandler Zinck-Marier, men's football and track

Men's football receiver/returner and track sprinter Chandler Zinck-Marier, a third year commerce student from Pleasantville, N.S., has been named the 2025-26 Huskies Male Athlete of the Year.

In the football season, Zinck-Marier was named a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian and AUS First Team All-Star as a returner. He was one of the team captains for the Loney Bowl champion Huskies, and led the AUS and finished sixth in the country in all-purpose yards.

On offence, Zinck-Marier caught 23 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns, and took seven carries for 42 yards. As a returner, Zinck-Marier returned 11 kicks for 308 yards, with his 28.0 yards per kick return average leading the AUS and ranking third in U SPORTS, and returned 37 punts for 428 yards for an average of 11.6 yards per return, leading the AUS in all three categories, and ranking fourth in U SPORTS in punt return yards.

Across 11 regular season and playoff games combined, Zinck-Marier averaged 144.1 all-purpose yards per game, the most for a Huskies player since 2017.

"It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be great in one sport, let alone two, and Chandler is one of the hardest working players I've ever coached, and his work last offseason set the standard for our whole team," says Huskies football head coach Steve Sumarah. "His dynamic punt and kick returns set up great field position all season long, but he was also our go-to receiver in second and medium situations, consistently coming up with big catches for first downs. As a football player, he has raised the bar, not only for himself but our entire offence and special teams, and we have no doubt he'll continue to get better this offseason, and push his teammates to greater heights."

After football season, Chandler joined the Huskies track & field team and thrived, winning a silver medal at the AUS Championships in the 60 metre dash, posting an elite personal best time of 6.95 seconds, and anchoring a bronze medal in the 4x200m relay. He also won the 60m at the Athletics Nova Scotia Meet.

"Chandler craves success, he has a relentless desire to improve and that is proven not only by his times at meets but his relentless efforts at practice," added Huskies track & field coaches Jonathan Peverill and Ian MacDonald. "An elite level of buy-in Chandler trusts the process, as well as the experience of coaches Megan (Graham) and Nikola (Kriznar), and has risen to the occasion winning AUS medals, but still wanting more. Not only is Chandler a ferocious athlete, he is a ferocious teammate, constantly celebrating his teammates successes, and is often heard barking and hyping up his teammates as they compete."

Male Athlete of the Year Nominees: Jayrell Diggs, Men's Basketball; Reid Valade, Men's Hockey; Chandler Zinck-Marier, Men's Football & Track

FEMALE PRESIDENT'S AWARD – Deana Symes, women's rugby

Women's rugby centre Deana Symes, a fifth year Masters in Applied Science student from Lower Sackville, N.S., has been named the 2025-26 Huskies Female President's Award winner for Outstanding Academic and Athletic Performance.

Deana has truly made the most of her time here at Saint Mary's, building one of the most impressive resumes that we've seen. While pursuing both her Undergraduate and Master's degrees in Chemistry, she has not only been a valuable and hardworking teammate but also a five-time Academic All-Canadian and Dean's List recipient.

Deana has demonstrated leadership through roles that integrate academic mentorship, health and safety advocacy, and community engagement. As an executive member of the Saint Mary's Chemistry Society for three years, she focused on increasing student engagement and community outreach, including initiating social events such as board game nights, pumpkin painting, and end-of-term department socials. This year she was a key organizer of the society's largest event, Careers in Chemistry Day. Through the society, she also initiated yearly bake sale fundraisers, with over $550 donated to the Canadian Cancer Society and Metavivor.

She has worked as a Senior Research Assistant, TA and Tutor, and has represented Saint Mary's at several regional, national and international conferences, including winning the CIC Best Graduate Oral Presentation at the 2025 ChemCon, and having research papers published.

She also volunteers as an assistant coach for the Sackville High Rugby team, and at the annual Cayley Fox Memorial rugby tournament, as well as with the Saint Mary's community food room, and with the SMU Med Campus Response Team as a medical responder for other sporting events on campus.

Female President's Award Nominees: Taylor Lougheed, Women's Volleyball; Sophie Scully, Women's Hockey; Deana Symes, Women's Rugby

MALE PRESIDENT'S AWARD – Charlie Da Fonseca, men's hockey

Men's hockey forward Charlie Da Fonseca, a fourth year MBA student from Thornhill, ON, has been named the 2025-26 Huskies Male President's Award winner for Outstanding Academic and Athletic Performance.

Da Fonseca captained the Huskies to an unforgettable season, capped by a silver medal at U SPORTS Nationals. On the ice, he finished second in the AUS in assists with 24, adding 9 goals for 33 points in 27 regular season games, finishing sixth in the AUS in scoring.

Charlie has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement throughout his time at Saint Mary's. He completed his undergraduate degree with a 4.26 GPA, earning Dean's List and Academic All-Canadian honours every year and graduating with a Summa Cum Laude distinction. Now pursuing his Master of Business Administration, he has posted a 4.08 GPA in his first semester while also volunteering his time to tutor teammates in Commerce.

He's also very involved in the Saint Mary's and Halifax community. This year, he led a group of MBA classmates in organizing the Walk for Alzheimer's at Saint Mary's, drawing more than 50 participants and raising over $1,200 for research. He also spearheaded a month-long cold plunge initiative with fellow student-athletes in support of mental health awareness, raising more than $1,000. Earlier in his career, he served as an ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood and has volunteered with local minor hockey programs, continuing to serve as a positive role model in the Halifax community. He's also played a key role in the Motionball Marathon of Sport in support of Special Olympics Canada, serving as both an organizer and team captain.

"Charlie has been the most outstanding captain I have had during my time as Head Coach at Saint Mary's University," said Huskies men's hockey head coach Tyler Naugler. "He leads our team by example every single day, both on and off the ice. Charlie consistently embodies the true identity and values of our program, setting the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete at the highest level."

"While maintaining elite performance in competition, he has also demonstrated exceptional commitment to his academics in the MBA program," added Naugler. "Despite these demands, Charlie has dedicated meaningful time to giving back—making a significant impact not only within the Saint Mary's University community, but throughout the broader Halifax community as well. Charlie has established an exceptionally high standard through his leadership in athletics, academics, and community service, and he represents everything this award is meant to recognize."

Male President's Award Nominees: Cameron Brown, Football; Charlie Da Fonseca, Hockey; Eli Ford, Men's Cross Country / Track & Field

JOHN JONES MEMORIAL AWARD (FEMALE UNSUNG HERO) – Raeden Black, women's track & field / cross country

Women's track & field / cross country athlete Raeden Black, a third year commerce student from London, ON, has been named the 2025-26 John Jones Memorial Award winner for Female Unsung Hero.

After stepping up to compete the with the Huskies cross country team this fall, Raeden was in great form entering the track & field season, and looked to be a medal contender in the Women's Pentathlon event. Unfortunately midway through the season Raeden suffered, what would be for most, a season ending Achilles injury to her jumping leg.

While others would simply have packed it in and jumped on the recovery train to be better for next year, Raeden took on a bigger role off the track, all while focusing on recovering and wearing a walking boot. She went above and beyond off the track this year, co-organizing a team led Christmas Toy Drive for the IWK Children's Hospital, aiding with recruitment and taking a mentorship role with rookies on the team, and even helped out more on the coaching side when possible.

By the end of the track season, Raeden was able to help the compete again and help the team in a massive way - anchoring the women's 4x200m and 4x400m relay teams. While she helped keep morale high even while not competing, her biggest boost to the team's morale was being able to step back on the track and compete at the AUS Championships.

Raeden never ceases to amaze us. Her work ethic, leadership, and passion for the maroon and white are limitless," said Huskies coaches Jonathan Peverill and Ian MacDonald. "This year was hard for Raeden, it's never easy experiencing an injury at a later stage of the season, but overcoming adversity and finding other and outside the box ways to help and support not only her teammates but the coaching staff speaks volumes of her character, which will serve her well in the future. Raeden was also a spearhead with recruiting this year. Her support and efforts have aided in the process of signing a number of female athletes. Going into her senior year as an athlete she has helped build an environment to foster success in the years to come."

Female Unsung Hero Award Nominees: Charlotte Baines, Women's Soccer; MacKenzie Beggs, Women's Hockey; Raeden Black, Women's Track & Field / Cross Country

JOHN JONES MEMORIAL AWARD (MALE UNSUNG HERO) – Cam Buchanan, men's football

Men's football defensive lineman Cam Buchanan, a third year commerce student from Brampton, ON, has been named the 2025-26 John Jones Memorial Award winner for Male Unsung Hero.

After being a depth piece his first two seasons with the Huskies, Cam worked as hard as anyone this offseason, losing 40 pounds and winning a starting job at the pivotal position of nose-tackle, which is one of the most unsung positions in the sport of football, all about battling in the trenches… and Cam did that as well as anyone, anchoring one of the best defences in the entire country, as the Huskies defence led all of U SPORTS with just 69 points allowed in the regular season.

In the Huskies homecoming win over Mount Allison, Cam put on a show with 2.5 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery, being named Player of the Game. In the next game, he fractured his wrist, but missed just two games, and was able to return for the Loney Bowl, which gave the Huskies defence a huge emotional boost.

For the season, he recorded 10 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries, but more than that, he's a leader in the locker room, a big personality, and Coach Sumarah praises his commitment to the team this season.

Male Unsung Hero Award Nominees: Cam Buchanan, Football; Luke Vardy, Men's Hockey; Devawn White, Men's Basketball

SUPPLEMENT KING FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Frances MacLeod, women's cross country / track & field

Women's cross country / track & field runner Frances MacLeod, a first year science student from Dartmouth, N.S., has been named the 2025-26 Supplement King Female Rookie of the Year.

MacLeod had a record-breaking season for the Huskies, becoming the first Saint Mary's female runner to win the AUS Cross Country Championship in 16 years, and just the fourth first year athlete to ever win gold! On top of being named AUS Champion, she was named AUS Athlete of the Year, AUS Rookie of the Year, a First Team All-Star and to the All-Rookie Team.

She then went on to U SPORTS Nationals where she finished 17^th in the country as was named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie team.

"Frances competed with a level of tenacity and maturity that is only ever seen in later year athletes," said Huskies coaches Jonathan Peverill and Ian MacDonald. "Achieving the accolades that she had this year in Cross Country and the experiences she gained in Track against many hard nosed, experienced, senior, athletes speaks volumes about her as an athlete and a person. Though only in her first year, Frances shows great signs of leadership and team spirit which will speak volumes for our women's teams and their success as we build for the future and the pursuit of an AUS team title."

Female Rookie of the Year Award Nominees: Leslie Cuddihy, Women's Hockey; Frances MacLeod, Women's Cross Country / Track & Field; Jordin Parsons, Volleyball

SUPPLEMENT KING MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Ethan Ritchie, men's hockey

Men's hockey defenceman Ethan Ritchie, a first year commerce student from Oakville, ON, has been named the 2025-26 Supplement King Male Rookie of the Year.

After sitting out last season, Ritchie stepped into the starting lineup as a top two defenceman. He didn't miss a game, scored five goals and 17 assists for 22 points, ranking fourth on the Huskies and third among all AUS defencemen in scoring.

Ritchie raised his game at the highest level, scoring four points at the U SPORTS University Cup, including one of the most memorable goals in Saint Mary's history, the overtime winner against Saskatchewan in the Quarterfinal, and was named to the U CUP All-Tournament Team.

"What stands out about Ethan isn't just the points or the big moments - it's the growth," says Huskies head coach Tyler Naugler. "There were moments this year where Ethan and I pushed challenged each other at times, and he responded the right way. He earned everything he got, and when the stakes were highest, he delivered. That's the kind of player and person you win with."

Male Rookie of the Year Award Nominees: Ben Dale, Men's Basketball; Ethan Ritchie, Men's Hockey; Noah Skeete, Men's Track & Field

ROBERT G. HAYES AWARD (VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR) – Phil Wright, men's and women's hockey

The 2025-26 Robert G. Hayes Award for Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Phil Wright, goalie coach with Huskies Men's and Women's Hockey.

From Men's Hockey: "There are people in a program you appreciate, and then there are people you can't be successful without, and Phil is that for Men's Hockey. He gives everything he has to this team. I'm talking about a guy who works full time and will be on the ice at 7 a.m. shooting pucks, and he's the same guy who'll get in a car at 10 p.m. and drive to go get someone from the hospital in Antigonish. Whatever needs to be done, he does it, he sticks his hand up no questions asked. He puts this team ahead of just about everything in his life, and that's not something you can replace. Without Phil Wright, we're not the program we are. It's as simple as that."

From Women's Hockey: "Phil has been with our program for six plus years and helps with the men's team as well. He works with our goalies, and entire team, in everything from goalie pre-scouts, to evaluating possible recruits, shows tremendous pride in his work and dedicated to always trying to make our players better with his positive attitude and feedback. Juggles full-time work, a family of four, countless hours on the elliptical, and always reliable in every way. Phil exemplifies what SMU varsity athletics is all about and is truly of the good guys."

Zoey Papadakos, Football (Fall 2025) 

Zoey has been a dependable and integral member of the student trainer team since joining in 2023. Zoey has always demonstrated a high standard of care, professionalism, initiative and eagerness to learn and apply new skills appropriately. While primarily being placed with the football team, Zoey not only consistently volunteered with many other sports, but also spent time in the clinic learning, which only further broadened her experience and drive to continue in the profession of athletic therapy. Zoey is currently waiting to hear about acceptance into the Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy program at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Congratulations Zoey and thank you for your years of dedication to Huskies athletics! 

Olivia Floris, Men's Hockey (Winter 2025)  

Olivia has been a consistent face in the Dauphinee Centre; working with the women's hockey team for 1 year and the men's hockey team for 2. Olivia's determination to help the athletes she worked with has not gone unnoticed. Olivia always showed an interest in learning, continuously asking questions and being able to apply the knowledge appropriately. She also went above and beyond her duties as a student trainer by helping Mike Fines and his crew in the rink. Olivia will be attending Dalhousie University next year in the Master's in Kinesiology program. Congratulations Olivia and thank you for your years of dedication to Huskies athletics! 

2025-26 HUSKIES TEAM AWARDS 

Women's Cross-Country:
Rookie of the Year: Frances MacLeod
Coaches Award: Ashley Brady
Most Valuable Athlete: Frances MacLeod

Men's Cross-Country:
Rookie of the Year: Zack Rogers
Coaches Award: Cian Kelly
Most Valuable Athlete: Elijah Ford

Women's Soccer:
Rookie of the Year: Braelyn Odell
Coaches Award: Cassidy Wells
Most Valuable Player: Cara Freeman

Men's Soccer:
Rookie of the Year: Isiah Loague
Coaches Award: Jake Wilcox
Most Valuable Player: Will Brown

Women's Rugby:
Rookie of the Year: Chantelle Lunn
Coaches Award: Anna Van Wart
Most Valuable Player: Katherine Fairbrother

Men's Football:
Rookie of the Year: Nelson-Kisob Egbe
Coaches Award: Isaiah Okoli
Most Valuable Player: Ryan Butler

Women's Track & Field:
Rookie of the Year: Elisha Delphin
Coaches Award: Alex Campbell
Most Valuable Athlete: Katie Pegg

Men's Track & Field:
Rookie of the Year: Noah Skeete
Coaches Award: Ciaran MacDonald
Most Valuable Athlete: Mason Dunlop

Women's Basketball:
Rookie of the Year: Kalli Georgoulias
Coaches Award: Molly Healy
Most Valuable Player: Angong Jacob

Men's Basketball:
Rookie of the Year: Ben Dale
Coaches Award: Diego Ramos
Most Valuable Player: Jayrell Diggs

Women's Hockey:
Rookie of the Year: Leslie Cuddihy
Coaches Award: Sophie Scully
Most Valuable Player: Abigail MacKenzie

Men's Hockey:
Rookie of the Year: Ethan Ritchie
Coaches Award: Liam Arnsby
Most Valuable Player: Reid Valade

Women's Volleyball:
Rookie of the Year: Jordin Parsons
Coaches Award: Esther Wildeboer
Most Valuable Player: Emilia Mikanovich

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PHOTO ALBUM OF THE 2025-26 ATHLETIC AWARDS

Photos by Mona Ghiz / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics